A California woman was told to cover up at her gym for “intimidating” the other patrons with her toned body.
California Woman Told to Cover Up Her “Toned Body”
Tiffany Austin was walking on the treadmill at a Planet Fitness in Richmond, California last week when a gym employee approached and told her to cover up. The employee said that other gym members had complained about Austin’s body, saying that her “toned physique” was “intimidating.” The employee offered to loan Austin a shirt to cover up, which she accepted. A second employee approached soon after with a similar request.
Austin was unhappy with the demand, especially occurring at a gym that stresses “no gymtimidation.” She says she was wearing gym-appropriate clothing: capri pants and a cropped tank top. Planet Fitness disagrees, saying that Austin violated their dress code policy, and that the employees’ requests had nothing to do with her body, only her clothing.
Austin reportedly canceled her membership and received a refund but will not take legal action against the gym.
Discrimination or Dress Code?
Planet Fitness denies any other motive than a desire to adhere to the stated dress code policy, which members agree to when they sign up. The company says the dress code is enforced at the staff’s discretion.
The low-cost gym’s brand emphasizes a comfortable workout environment where people can exercise without feeling judged or intimidated. They even have a “lunk alarm” which goes off when weight lifters get a little too vocal during their sets. The dress code policy forbids “revealing clothing,” presumably to stop members from feeling intimidated.
Attorney Jonna Spilbor argues that because they are a private company, they are within their rights to request a gym member to cover up. Should Austin decide to sue, she likely would not have a strong case.
Planet Fitness Faces Head Scarf Lawsuit
This is not the only time Planet Fitness has been accused of going too far. One New Mexico woman recently spoke out, saying that in 2011 she was told not to wear her head scarf – which she wears for religious reasons – while she worked out. Tarainia McDaniel, a Muslim convert, filed a lawsuit against the fitness chain, claiming that they based their decision on her religion or possibly her race. Her case will be heard in August.
